There are fears over a growing drugs problem in a small Cornish village after used needles were discovered in different locations including a play park.

Callington police have warned against the use of drugs after a recent patrol in Gunnislake, in east Cornwall.

They explained they "have had brought to their attention that there is an increased problem with drugs in the area".

"Today we have spoken to a member of public of has stated that used needles and drug paraphernalia have been located in Fosters Field, the green in The Orchard and the play park in Woodland Way," a spokesperson for the force wrote on their Facebook page.

"Members of the neighbourhood team have been out today looking for any items. Luckily nothing was located.

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"Callington Police take the misuse of drugs very seriously and urge people to contact us if they see anyone using or suspect using in the area. Can we advise you that if you locate needles do not pick them up, instead call Cornwall Council who will collect and dispose. They can be contacted on 03001234100."

The team said they would be actively patrolling the area in "hopes to deter those from continuing this disgraceful behaviour".

A member of the public commented the post explaining that she found needles in the area too.

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She said: "When I found needles in one of these areas I contacted the Council (...) I had to keep hold of them till the local councillor got back from holiday so she could get a pin bin and collect them.

"There is also a lot of broken glass from bottles and cans in local park in Gunnislake, wood with nails, iron bars..."

Residents also reported people throwing beer cans in gardens in the village.

"Let's hope no children find anything, also be good if we could have a patrol on the night it can get quite noisy on king street late at night and a few people have been throwing beer cans etc into our garden," Samantha H. wrote to the police.

Zoe L. added: "We had a group of lads outside ours last weekend in cedar sounded like it was kicking off and had beer cans and wine in our garden."